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You’re good enough, my friend

April 12, 2012 by Olle Lindholm in Mindset

It’s true. You have what it takes to succeed.

But deep down you hear this voice saying: “I’m not good enough”.

You have to silence that voice, because nine times out of ten, it’s simply wrong.

See the voice for what it really is: an excuse to do nothing.

Listen to the words and hear what it really is: ONE BIG FAT LIE ringing in your ears.

How long will you let this lie control your life? Imagine all the opportunities that you have lost because you didn’t think that you could pull it off. But in reality, you never tried to do it so you will never know for sure.

You were too afraid to fail. To look dumb. To suck.

But you know what? This may come as a surprise to you, but everyone, and I do mean everyone, thinks that they suck at some point.

I’ve thought I’ve sucked, you’ve thought that you sucked, and even the pros have thought it, too.

There’s no need for us to feel sorry for ourselves. It’s only human to think this way. We start to doubt ourselves, our talents and ability to do what we love.

Think and act like a pro

Today that’s going to change. Today you’ll be starting on something that makes your heart jump and your inner critic scream out in anger:

“But you’re not good enough to do this!”

When you hear that voice, you know you’re on the right track. Then you’re going to ignore that voice and tell her that she’s lying. She’s dead wrong.

Scream back: “That’s not true!”

Because you need to think and act like a pro. You need to take your “hobbies” and passion seriously. You need to show up and do the work. There are no excuses.

You need to give yourself permission to suck. I hereby give you the permission to suck, to fail miserably, and to look dumb, as long as you do what you have to do.

I won’t let three ugly words hold you back. They’re only three silly words. From now on, “not good enough” is not a good enough excuse!

Erase the first word and listen to the two remaining words instead:

Good enough.

This is your new mantra. This gives you the courage to try and be more of who you are.

You’re good enough to start

You may not be as smart as Chris Langan. But that’s okay because you’re smart enough.

You may not write as well as William Shakespeare. But that’s okay because you write well enough.

You may not sing like Whitney Houston. But that’s okay because you’re a good enough singer.

Perfection is an illusion. It doesn’t exist. And the sooner you realise that, the faster you will go on and do what you have to do.

You have to create. Don’t let that voice stop you. Take action today.  

Apply to courses, start writing your first blog post, and sing like there’s no tomorrow. There’s already enough people who watch the seasons change outside their window. Don’t let that be you. The world needs people who try.

You’re good enough. And now that you know it, what are going to do about it? Let us know in the comments.

Flickr photo by miggslives.

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About Olle Lindholm

A Sweden-based author and coach.
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Comments

  1. Julia Taragano says

    April 12, 2012 at 12:22 pm

    agreed. the world needs people who try because those are the ones that actually ever made any change. thanks for inspiring olle! hope you’re well dear. beijos

    Reply
    • Olle Lindholm says

      April 12, 2012 at 5:57 pm

      Hi Julia! So glad that you liked my post and found it inspiring! We should give it a try, whatever it is. What are you trying to achieve and what has stopped you before? I’d love to be of more help, so please let me know! Un beso, Olle

      Reply
  2. Caro says

    May 2, 2012 at 7:29 pm

    Just what I needed to hear tonight. Very encouraging and comforting!

    Reply
    • Olle Lindholm says

      May 3, 2012 at 12:58 am

      Hi Caro! So good to see you here, sharing your thoughts. You know you’ll always find comfort and encouragement from me :)I’m here for you.

      Reply
  3. MostStrange says

    June 1, 2013 at 9:56 pm

    Thank you. Just what I needed. *Breathes out*

    Reply
    • Olle Lindholm says

      June 1, 2013 at 9:59 pm

      You’re welcome. 🙂 *take a deep breath*

      Reply
  4. francis ekow dadzie says

    May 28, 2016 at 3:52 pm

    Very powerful and inspirational as well.The world is being changed by bold and will to do people. Thank you

    Reply
    • Olle Lindholm says

      June 6, 2016 at 4:39 pm

      Glad you found it useful, Francis!

      Reply

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